CARDINAL CONNECTIONS

Email: bmarzano@fpschools.org
Website: https://franklinpiercehighschool.fpschools.org/
Location: 11002 18th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445, USA
Phone: (253)298-3800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fphscards
Twitter: @FPHScards

I can’t believe it’s March already. This week, our students begin planning for next school year — reviewing credits, exploring course offerings, and thinking intentionally about the pathway that best supports their goals after high school.

One opportunity I want to elevate is College in the High School (CiHS). These courses allow students to earn real college credit while learning right here at Franklin Pierce High School, with the teachers they already know and trust.

For 2025–26, our CiHS offerings include:

• CWU Pre Calculus

• CWU Calculus

• UW Pre Calculus

• CWU Statistics

• EWU U.S. History

• EWU Politics & Government

• EWU Psychology

• UW Chemistry

• EWU Introduction to Literature

• EWU College Composition

These courses are no cost to students, open to grades 9–12 (with prerequisites), and often transfer smoothly to four-year universities. Students experience college-level rigor while remaining connected to FPHS athletics, activities, electives, and leadership opportunities.

Running Start is an excellent pathway for students who want a fully immersive college experience. For many students, however, College in the High School provides the best of both worlds — college credit and the opportunity to remain deeply engaged in the FPHS community during these important high school years.

As students plan their schedules, I encourage families to explore all of the dual credit opportunities available right here at FPHS. Planning with purpose now opens doors later.

Students, this time is for you! Every week, you can sign up for a 10-minute slot to meet with Principal Marzano. Bring your ideas, questions, or anything that’s on your mind. Just scan the QR code to reserve your spot.

Bell Schedules Here

March 24-27- 3.5 Hour Early Release-Conferences

April 6-10- No School- Spring Break

May 22-25- No School- Memorial Day Weekend

June 15th- 3.5 Hour Early Release

June 16th- 3.5 Hour Early Release- Last Day of School

My Role at FPHS: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Statistics teacher

Favorite Hobbies: running, lifting weights, reading, hiking

Favorite Book: The Book of Lost Names

Favorite Quote: Duct tape is like the force, it has a light side and a dark side and holds the world together.

My Role at FPHS: Nutrition Services

Favorite Hobbies: Shopping and cooking Filipino Food

Favorite Book: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow

Favorite Quote: “Always be Kind”

Franklin Pierce Schools will be holding a MANDATORY virtual Running Start meeting for all students wanting to attend a Running Start program next Fall. This meeting will be held on March 19th at 5:30pm. Link will be sent to all 10th and 11th grade students. For those interested in attending TCC, check out the information sessions below.

We know times can be challenging, and it’s important that every family has access to the support they need. Franklin Pierce Schools has created a webpage with school-based and community food resources, including local food pantries and meal programs.

🔗 View Food Support Resources

You can also visit the Emergency Food Network website for a full list of more than 75 food pantries across Pierce County. These resources will be updated regularly as new options become available.

Mary Bridge Youth Engagement Services (YES) Franklin Pierce provides intensive support for students and families facing serious behavioral or mental health challenges. A licensed clinician works within the district to offer screenings, brief counseling, case management, and connections to community resources. Using a three-tiered system, YES helps identify students at risk of interrupted learning and connects them with the right supports—from referrals and care coordination to short-term therapeutic services. Learn more and find referral information here.

Your free library card gives you access to so much more — live online tutoring, writing help, test prep, and career tools like LinkedIn Learning and WOIS. You can even join Teen Council or volunteer to build leadership skills.
Explore it all at mypcls.org/learn-explore/teens and set a goal to try one new resource this week.

Need a quiet place to study, get tutoring, or catch up on assignments? The Community Homework Center is now open to all FPHS students!

📍 Where & When

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 2:50–4:30 PM — Corrigan Room

• Fridays: 2:50–4:00 PM — Room 701
  🚌 Activity bus available after each session.

Come get the support you need — our counselors and community partners (AMARA, CIS, and APCC) are here to help you stay on track and finish strong this quarter!

Are you thinking about college? The Legacy Scholars Program (TRIO Talent Search) is here to help!

Legacy Scholars offers FREE support with things like preparing for college, exploring careers, and building the skills you need for life after high school. Students may qualify if they meet income guidelines or are the first in their family to go to college.

If this sounds like you, check out the flyer below for details and see if you’re eligible. This is an awesome opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Communities In Schools (CIS) is here to help remove barriers so students can succeed—in school and in life. CIS works directly inside Franklin Pierce High School to provide both school-wide supports and one-on-one case management.

School-wide supports include academic help, SEL support, weekend food, attendance incentives, school supplies, and hygiene items.
Case-managed supports may include goal setting, regular check-ins, small group work, mentoring, and referrals to additional resources.

If you or your student could benefit from CIS services, reach out to:
📞 Jordan Jones, Program Manager – (253) 254-6079 | jordan@lakewoodcis.org
📞 Kerri Pedrick, Executive Director – (253) 254-6640 | kerri@lakewoodcis.org

Learn more: www.lakewoodcis.org

The 2025–2026 Student and Family Information Guide is now available! This guide covers district policies, graduation requirements, attendance, technology use, safety, and more.

We encourage every family to review it and keep it handy as a go-to resource throughout the year.

📄 Access Link Here

Does Your Student Have a Chronic Illness?
If your student has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or takes any medications (including over-the-counter), please connect with Nurse Nicole. All students with chronic illnesses need an Individual Health Care Plan (IHP) on file.

📞 Contact Nurse Nicole

• Franklin Pierce High School: (253) 298-3823

📄 Submit your medical form here: https://www.pcmswa.org/school-forms

Franklin Pierce High School is looking for dedicated volunteers to make a difference in our school community. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to get more involved, we’d love to have your support!

Interested? Reach out to Bonita Lee at blee@fpschools.org or call 253-298-3837. Click the button below to learn more about becoming an approved volunteer through the district. Let’s work together to make this school year unforgettable for our students! 🌟